Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a great break and that all is well. Thank you so much to Alex and his awesome co-hosts!
It is a new year and I would like to say that I have shed every one of my nasty little insecurities. Unfortunately, I must confess that I still have a ton of doubts and fears. The difference today is that they no longer keep me from writing or taking action with regards to my creativity. But, there is one thing I truly fear. That my first book was a fluke and that I don’t have what it takes to write another, or make writing a full-time job. Even though I tell myself that every time I finish a sentence on my current project, that I’m proving my own fear wrong. That doesn’t stop me from doubting myself. All I can do is keep hammering away and keep on writing.
It is a new year and I would like to say that I have shed every one of my nasty little insecurities. Unfortunately, I must confess that I still have a ton of doubts and fears. The difference today is that they no longer keep me from writing or taking action with regards to my creativity. But, there is one thing I truly fear. That my first book was a fluke and that I don’t have what it takes to write another, or make writing a full-time job. Even though I tell myself that every time I finish a sentence on my current project, that I’m proving my own fear wrong. That doesn’t stop me from doubting myself. All I can do is keep hammering away and keep on writing.
How are you doing today?
The Insecure Writers Support Group was created by the talented Mr. Alex J. Cavanaugh so that writers can share their insecurities and/or encourage others who need support with their own. You can visit Alex Here, or if you want to join us in discussing our insecurities on the first Wednesday of each month, you are welcome to join by going Here.
I can really relate to your feelings as I feel much the same on a daily basis and even more so no that I am also home educating my son. I just keep thinking can I really get my writing done and done well, while I have so much else to do. I guess all we can do is keep taking it one step at a time and hope for the best. Happy new year and all the best. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, to you and your family as well. I know you can do it.
DeleteWhat's that saying? Feel the fear then do it anyway. Something like that. And I think that's what a lot of us writers and artists do. We feel the doubt then create anyway. :)
ReplyDeleteWriting without regards to fear is a must. Even for a chicken like me:) Have a great weekend.
DeleteI can relate to those feelings, too. And I agree with that Madeline said—feel the fear and then do it anyway. That's what I strive to do. That's why I pick up that pen every day and work toward publication.
ReplyDeleteHang in there!
Thank you, M.J. The things we writers go through:)
DeleteHey, that was my fear after writing my first book! I would be a one-hit wonder.
ReplyDeleteI had three more published, so if I can produce more quality work, I guarantee you can.
Thank you, Alex! I know I just have to keep at it. Have a good weekend.
DeleteThat's a huge difference! So glad your fears don't keep you from writing.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I can be a real coward when I have the time:)
DeleteLOL, I haven't finished my first book yet and I worry about that. It is heartening to hear that you no longer let your insecurities keep you from writing. Mine don't stop me, but they bump and grind and drag and procrastinate, grrr... I guess my biggest is I can't do it all and no one will want to read it and it won't be any good.
ReplyDeleteWishing you much success,
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit
Hey Juneta. Those insecurities does weigh one down. But write that first book anyway and set it loose in the world. There is always someone who will read your book, as I have now learned. You can do it!
DeleteAs long as your doubts aren't stopping you from writing, you're doing fine. Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI think every newly-published author feels this way, Murees. At least the ones I talk to. The only ones who don't are those who write for a cause or to purge. I bet you'll feel differently after your second publication!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jacqui. It's a relief that I'm not the only one who feels this. Have a great weekend.
DeleteYou're not a fluke. If you're writing a new story, that's proof. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!!!
Thank you, Chrys!
DeleteI get that fear. Truly, deeply. If I hadn't penned out 10 novels beyond what I have published, I'd be right there, but proof exists. If you're a writer, you write, right? ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Chrystal. You are very right:)
DeleteHi Murees - definitely keep writing you can't stop now ... the more you can write the better and build those series .. Happy New Year and it will be .. cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteThank you, Hilary. Have an amazing 2016.
DeleteWhat a great way to start a new year, Murees. We would all do well to emulate you--not letting those insecurities get us down. Best wishes for a great 2016.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Oh wow! That's a nice thing to say:)
DeleteYou're not a fluke. You're an amazing, talented writer. See, I just want to get to where you are. I keep reading that even when we finally get there, the doubts never end. We will always worry about something. The next book. The reviews. I see that the process never ends, but that can be a good thing. A little worry, doubt, insecurity makes us work that much harder to continue producing good work. I have all the faith in the world in you. Happy New year. Wishing you a very prosperous, healthy, happy and successful 2016.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Melissa! You are too kind! You will publish your book, when you are ready. Do not worry:)
DeleteI don't think that doubt ever goes away but we can use it to our advantage. It spurs us on to try harder, instead of being complacent. Here's to many more great achievements - which definitely won't be flukes!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nick! You are awesome.
DeleteHappy New Year, Murees! I completely understand your insecurity - just yesterday I was thinking, 'my first book was actually rubbish, maybe I shouldn't have published it, but used it as writing practice instead.' But this year, I'm not letting my fears stop me. I've lived with my doubts for too long, so as far as I'm concerned, they can take a hike this year ;). You are an amazing writer - and don't tell yourself otherwise! You totally have what it takes to be a full-time author, I just know it :).
ReplyDeleteThank you! You are amazing! I agree. The doubts can take a hike, because we don't need them this year:)
DeleteIt's been quite a remarkable year for you. So many good things have come your way and I think
ReplyDeleteyour confidence has grown and you have soared, My Dear Lady. You've worked for everything
and you deserve it. Here's to next year..... you can lead the pack. LOL
Thank you, Manazanita! Wonderful words. You just inspired me:)
DeleteFear and doubt is normal, and might be a good thing if it's not stopping you from writing. It keeps you trying to do the very best you can. Keep going :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Annalisa! I will keep at it:)
DeleteHappy New Year! Glad to hear your fears haven't kept you from writing. It's sad when our fears keep us from doing something we love.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm trying to fight back:)
DeletePerhaps there's comfort in knowing we all feel that way! That's why the IWSG exists, I guess...there's security in our combined insecurities.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely. Knowing that I'm not the only one who this happens to does help.
DeleteJust keep hammering away!
ReplyDeleteAt least you are still writing...that's what matters!
Happy New Year!
Thank you! Will do:) Every bit helps, right?
DeleteMaybe we should start insecurity journals. So many silly insecurities sweep through my mind on any given day, ones I don't think to share for IWSG, because they were fleeting. I've had the same concerns. I just need to start on my next novel while I'm editing, and hopefully that would help.
ReplyDelete